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Savory Smoked Brisket Sliders Recipe with Easy Pickled Red Onions

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These savory smoked brisket sliders with pickled red onions combine tender, smoky meat with a bright, tangy crunch for a crowd-pleasing sandwich perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 lbs beef brisket (trimmed of excess fat)
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp coarse black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Wood chips for smoking (hickory or oak preferred)
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 12 slider buns or dinner rolls (King’s Hawaiian recommended)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for toasting buns)
  • Optional toppings: sliced cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, fresh arugula

Instructions

  1. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Mix kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub seasoning evenly over brisket. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips (hickory preferred). Place brisket fat side up on grate away from direct heat and close lid.
  3. Smoke brisket maintaining 225-250°F (107-121°C) for about 1.5 hours per pound until internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). Check temperature hourly and add wood chips as needed.
  4. When brisket reaches 165°F (74°C), wrap tightly in aluminum foil and continue cooking until 195°F (90°C). Remove and rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  5. For pickled red onions: combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes in saucepan. Simmer until sugar and salt dissolve. Pour hot liquid over sliced onions in jar or dish. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight preferred).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush slider buns with melted butter and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.
  7. Slice brisket thinly against the grain. Assemble sliders by placing brisket slices on bottom bun, topping with pickled red onions and optional cheese or BBQ sauce. Close slider and serve immediately.

Notes

If brisket dries out, spritz with apple juice or beef broth hourly during smoking. Slice against the grain for tenderness. Pickled onions can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for best flavor. Butter buns before toasting for extra richness. Use a sharp knife to avoid shredding meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket sliders, pickled red onions, barbecue, slider recipe, smoked meat, easy sliders, backyard cookout

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/savory-smoked-brisket-sliders-recipe-with-easy-pickled-red-onions/